Latest news and stories about healthcare access in Portugal for expats and residents.
At six years old, Rafael uses music to express what words cannot reach. However, the success of music therapy is hindered by the lack of legal status and professional recognition.
Endometriosis can cause intense cramps, pain during sexual intercourse or bowel movements, and profoundly affect quality of life. The disease affects approximately 190 million people worldwide and its cause remains unidentified. Doctors warn that debilitating menstrual pain is “not normal”.
In most cases, families were unaware of the programme or did not know how to use it.
The article discusses Intuitive Surgical, Inc.'s recent expansion in Europe, specifically highlighting its acquisition of the da Vinci and Ion distribution business from ab medica and its affiliates. This move aims to enhance Intuitive's presence in the European market, particularly in Portugal, where the company is focusing on advancing minimally invasive surgical technologies. The acquisition is part of Intuitive's strategy to strengthen its footprint and improve access to its robotic-assisted surgical systems across Europe.
This article provides a comprehensive overview for families considering relocating to Portugal. It covers key practical aspects such as education options—highlighting the differences between international schools (which offer curricula like British, American, or IB and are concentrated in major cities) and public schools (which promote cultural and language immersion at no cost). Healthcare access is explained through Portugal's public SNS system, offering affordable universal care, alongside private healthcare options that provide faster service and English-speaking providers. The article also discusses integration challenges, emphasizing language barriers and cultural adaptation, and offers strategies for community engagement and support networks. It highlights regional differences, with Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve being popular expat hubs, and provides practical advice on housing, costs, and location considerations. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of strategic investment, particularly through Portugal Panorama’s regulated fund approach, which supports long-term stability and enhances family relocation success by aligning investment with sectors vital to family life, such as healthcare and education. Overall, the article serves as a detailed guide for families planning their move to Portugal, addressing logistical, educational, healthcare, cultural, and financial factors to facilitate a smooth transition and long-term settlement.
The majority of patients came from France and Angola. Only 31% of the total cycles performed took place in the National Health Service (SNS). CNPMA speaks of “social inequity” in treatments involving gamete donors.
The decision was made following statements from the director of the cardiology service at Santo António Hospital, which also prompted the General Inspectorate of Health Activities to seek clarifications.
Home News Algarve new public-private health centres Algarve new public-private health centres Five new public-private Family Health Units are set to be created, including several in the Algarve, as part of a broader effort to reduce the number of people in Portugal without an assigned family doct
The reporting team on site heard from Mrs Maria, 82, who, without an electricity supply, has kept her pharmacy running.
Home News Health centres in Portugal relieved Health centres in Portugal relieved Between May 2023 and the end of 2025, more than 1. 2 million justifications for absence were issued through the Self-Declaration of Illness (ADD), thereby alleviating pressure on primary health care.
The new digital screening for respiratory and oropharyngeal symptoms through the SNS 24 App is part of the Seasonal Health Response Plan - Winter Module.
A group of experts will gather at the initiative “More Data Better Health” to help define a model for secondary access (for research, statistics, and planning) to health data.
The SNS 24 mobile application has introduced a feature that enables users to screen for respiratory symptoms, addressing previous limitations of the helpline service.
The SNS 24 helpline is currently unable to expand the 'call first, save lives' initiative due to capacity issues.
A study reveals that issues related to housing and health are exacerbating intergenerational justice problems.
An update on the Intergenerational Justice Index is presented this Thursday at Gulbenkian. Current generations are allowing certain areas of society to deteriorate, burdening the younger ones.
For the first time, the World Health Organization suggests the use of a medication for the treatment of obesity. The WHO states that diabetes medications, which have been widely used for weight loss, should be increasingly accessible to the general population and urges different countries to adopt public policies that allow for the widespread use of these medications. In this morning's Expresso, Paulo Baldaia talks with João Jácome de Castro, outgoing president of the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and an endocrinologist at the Armed Forces Hospital.
A report reveals that in Portugal, women experience significantly fewer healthy years compared to men, highlighting a concerning health inequality within the European Union.
Leya's initiative creates libraries and brings books to hospitals in the Lisbon region. Every Friday, in the Paediatric Multipurpose Room of Santa Maria, there is an hour for listening to and telling stories.
Starting from the first quarter of next year, the Setúbal Peninsula and the Amadora-Sintra area will test a pilot project aimed at providing support to pregnant women without a family doctor.
